5 Essential Wildlife Destinations To Visit Across North Dakota

28.12.2023 - 20:07 / forbes.com

Measuring in at over 180,000 square kilometers, North Dakota serves as one of the least-densely populated states in all of North America—and all of that wide open space leaves plenty of room for wildlife to roam. Across the iconic Theodore Roosevelt National Park, massive herds of American bison and pronghorn can be encountered all throughout the year, while fascinating resident and migratory bird species make North Dakota a particularly underrated destination for seasoned birders. As you plan your next road trip across the Great Plains, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for a nature-focused voyage across the dazzling landscapes of the Peace Garden State.

One of North Dakota’s twin crown jewels for wildlife lovers, the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers 9,740 hectares of pristine wilderness for visitors to explore. Though not as large or frequently-visited as its southern cousin, this vast preserve offers a similar array of attractions to explore along its 22.5-kilometer-long main thoroughfare, with top sites ranging from the Cannonball Concretions Pullout—a site that’s home to fascinating smooth boulders formed by precipitation—to the dazzling River Bend Overlook. And to sweeten the deal, the Little Mo Nature Trail serves as a top destination for birdwatchers, drawing species like the cedar waxwing and dark-eyed junco to the edge of the Little Missouri River.

Officially established in the 1950s, the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge serves as one of the foremost birdwatching destinations in all of the Peace Garden State. Upon arrival, visitors can head into the main building for some insight into the inner workings of North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region—a vast expanse of wetlands that plays host to all sorts of migratory birds during breeding season—then set off along the refuge’s walking trails in search of wildlife. Given the many ponds scattered across the area, visitors can catch a glimpse of swamp-dwelling birds like the red-winged blackbird, northern shoveler and common goldeneye, while fortunate visitors may be able to spot a prairie falcon or bald eagle soaring overhead.

Named in honor of an 18th-century structure built on the edge of the Missouri River, Fort Stevenson State Park currently offers a glimpse into the many species that thrive both in and along North Dakota’s sprawling Lake Sakakawea. During a visit, guests are welcome to hit the Flicker Loop Trail in search of prairie dogs and native birds ranging from the orange-crowned warbler to the ruby-crowned kinglet, but the park really shines when it comes to aquatic wildlife. The waters of Lake Sakakawea draw fishers in droves to search for freshwater species, with northern pike, sauger and especially